Musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh (Kíla) and Myles O’Reilly are proud to announce the release of their second album ‘The Beautiful Road‘, a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover, to be released via Claddagh Records on July 28th.
Today, they share the first song ‘Níl Aon Easpa Orm’, along with an enchanting video created by Myles, assisted by artificial intelligence.
To create the film, Rónán, Myles, and dancer Mufutau Yusuf, ventured to the sacred hills of Loughcrew, Co. Meath, a location adorned with ancient Neolithic and megalithic burial tombs and monuments. For centuries, this site served as the final resting place for esteemed figures of the Stone Age and Bronze Age, including kings, queens, druids, and other significant individuals. At Loughcrew, seasonal ceremonies and celebrations took place, symbolically connecting the living with the mystical realm known as the Otherworld.
Myles explains: “In our video, Rónán and Mufutau embody this tradition, visiting the Otherworld to dance together and pay homage to our ancestors, just as it had been practiced for thousands of years in this sacred place. From the hill’s summit, we witnessed a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire island, evoking a sensation of flight akin to the take-off of an airplane.
As an observer, I noticed Rónán and Mufutau gracefully assuming bird-like shapes and movements, reminiscent of the heavens above, and thought it was a good opportunity to use AI as a tool in post-production. It is fascinating to witness the development and discussions surrounding Artificial Intelligence these days. I believe I have found, and stand by, a positive representation of what it has to offer.”
Following the success of Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly’s debut album Tá Go Maith, which was warmly received by audiences after its release in May 2020, Rónán and Myles have been playing numerous shows at home and abroad, showcasing their unique sound to an ever-growing fanbase.
Having written and developed new songs while touring, the duo decamped to a log cabin in Roscommon and a farmhouse in remote West Cork to work on ‘The Beautiful Road’. Recording one song every day, surrounded by countryside and inspired by nature the pair set out to create a soothing listening experience by focusing on higher frequencies, inspired by the calming effects of bird song, wind, rain, and sea. They also sought to counter the increased levels of intrusive ambient “white noise” caused by traffic, machinery, and other unpredictable sounds arising from the worlds post pandemic return to frenzied norms. Noises that so often overwhelm our ears and inner filters. The result is a collection of songs that experiment with a variety of comforting sonic elements, including bells, breaths, brush-stroked rhythms, halftime beats, and ambient melodies, to create a sonic massage that relaxes the ears and settles the soul.
To accompany different moods and settings, Rónán and Myles carefully selected times and frequencies for each song, considering not only the tune but also the listener’s potential physical posture. From head-nodding paces and cheek-to-cheek melodies for seated listeners, to enough swing to keep dancers on the floor and enough room to drift off for those who prefer to unwind by walking or lying down, this album offers a range of sonic experiences for everyone. A musical refuge from the stresses of everyday life.
The Beautiful Road is released on July 28th via Claddagh Records.
Watch ‘Níl Aon Easpa Orm’ below.
